• Introspection and self-awareness
  • express own thoughts and feelings
  • analyze and discuss rationale behind own thoughts and feelings
  • recognize and acknowledge similarities with others and how they relate to self
• Independence and self-sufficiency
  • emotional strength and resolve to leave damaging relationships
  • don't seek external validation excessively
  • only feel entitled to that which has been earned
  • support oneself, make ends meet, and fulfill adult responsibilities without relying on parents or future children
• Competence and ability
  • think critically, possess knowledge as well as the ability to apply it when situations warrant
  • be able to manipulate social situations without embarrassing oneself or others
  • acquire, maintain, and increase recognized talents and abilities in chosen professional field
• Honesty and absence of delusions (particularly those that improve on reality)
  • don't fall into delusions of grandeur (including an aggrandized sense of self that others would question)
  • be open to discussion of personal topics and beliefs (no off-limits topics due to their not having been dealt with)
  • acknowledge inconsistencies and irrationalities in belief systems (and preferably work to resolve them)

Originally written 9/28/06